Arroyo Rambling

This & next:  Soaptree and Organ Mountains

Willow, Frio and I did our new normal hike this morning, down the arroyo that parallels LDR-A, east in the narrow cross trail, up the new arroyo's left and right branches until we emerged onto the upper flatland road.

We saw no other human beings in the outback while we were there; nor did we spot any mammals of any species.  We did see quite a few birds that seemed to be flying to-and-fro everywhere.  Heelers are very interested in birds when there's a paucity of other critters.

The morning was cold when we started off--34F--but warmed rapidly while we were out and about.  Fortunately the absence of wind made conditions feel better.

This & next:  dried Stinging Serpent flowers

Nipple Beehive Cactus

Spiny Norman's family

B&W X

Nipple Beehive Cactus

Soaptree Yuccas

Barrel Cactus fruit

Rocks

This & next:  Willow and Frio

More rocks

Pestle or happenstance?

Frio and Willow in the new arroyo

Dead tree among living flora

The desert

This deadwood again